/ Shopkeeper attacked as he brought in morning papers

A shopkeeper was attacked as he brought in the morning papers in Failsworth.

It happened at about 8am on Saturday 22 December 2012, when three men were parked up outside the Kerai Mini Market on Westminster Road.

They got out of a dark coloured hatchback and hid behind a nearby hedge to watch the shopkeeper bring in the morning papers.

As the shopkeeper went back inside the three men ran through the front door, two of them headed towards the kiosk and loaded bags with tobacco and cash.

The third man approached the shopkeeper and threatened him with a metal bar. He told him to get on the floor and demanded his watch and jewellery, which the victim said he didn't have.

The offender rifled through his pockets and stole his mobile phone and all three men ran out of the shop.

The first man is described as a white, between 6ft and 6ft 1in tall, of slim build. He wore a black waterproof hooded coat, dark grey tracksuit bottoms, grey Nike pumps and a black balaclava with one opening exposing his eyes and nose.

The second man is described as about 5ft 8in tall, he wore all dark clothing, a hooded jacket and a balaclava covering his face.

The third man is described as about 5ft 8in tall, he wore a dark coloured hooded jacket with a balaclava and a green high visibility vest.

Detective Constable Andrew Swettenham from Oldham CID , said: "Clearly the member of staff has been left shaken up by the ordeal and while nobody was hurt it is clear that a needless level of violence was used.

"The shop is on a busy road and we believe someone would may have seen these men run out of the shop or driving off at speed.

"If you did see anything suspicious, I would urge you to contact police as soon as possible.

"We are doing all we can to get to the bottom of this matter and we will aim the full force of the law at those responsible; it is utterly unacceptable that victims of robbery are made to feel that their lives are in any danger."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8982 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.